Politics · Philippines Bureau
Minor testimony inconsistencies may boost witness credibility, says impeachment court
The Senate impeachment court's spokesperson argues that small discrepancies in witness statements can actually strengthen their overall credibility rather than undermine it. The comment came as senator-judges questioned repetitive testimony from a key witness in the ongoing trial.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA – Minor inconsistencies in witness testimonies can actually enhance credibility rather than detract from it, according to Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol.
Tongol made the observation Monday as the Senate impeachment court examined testimony from Gina Acosta, former special disbursing officer of Vice President Sara Duterte. Both senator-judges and prosecutors from the House panel noted that Acosta's responses contained repetitive elements during questioning.
Speaking on the matter in general terms, Tongol referenced jurisprudence from the Supreme Court in discussing how courts typically evaluate witness credibility. The remarks suggest that minor variations in how witnesses recount events—rather than raising red flags—can demonstrate the authentic nature of their recollection.
The observation underscores ongoing complexities in the impeachment proceedings, where multiple parties are scrutinizing testimony from key witnesses. The trial continues to examine various aspects of the Vice President's administration, with witness credibility playing a crucial role in determining the outcome of the proceedings.